Silversea's Silver Galapagos is sailing its first expedition after completing a final phase of renovations during a month-long drydock in Panama. As part of the update, the ship's suites, corridors and the Explorer Lounge have been refurbished. The ship underwent an initial partial update last year, which installed new in-suite bathrooms with marble detailing, plus a new fitness center, massage room, beauty salon, outdoor Jacuzzi and Silversea's outdoor dining venue, The Grill.
The Silver Galapagos is now sailing Saturday to Saturday on seven-day voyages through the Galápagos Islands, following either a western or north central route.
Holland America Line cancelled a third consecutive cruise on Veendam as a result of a propellor issue. The line attempted to repair the problem dockside in Quebec City, but it resurfaced causing the ship to drydock in Boston for repairs.
Holland America Line is working with all guests scheduled to sail on this voyage and their travel agents to assist with necessary changes.
"It has been determined that a complete repair can only be made in a dry-dock," the line said in a statement, which also expressed regret for the cancellation of the ship's seven-day Canada & New England sailing of Veendam from Quebec to Boston on Oct. 11. Previously, voyages were cancelled on Oct. 4 and Sept. 28.
The Banana Coast port in the western Caribbean is preparing to welcome its first mega cruise ship call on Oct. 15 with the Norwegian Jewel. The port is planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the event.
Six cruise lines have scheduled a total of 29 calls on eight ships at Banana Coast during the 2014-2015 winter Caribbean cruise season. Holland America Line was the first major cruise company to commit to a series of calls from November 2014 through March 2015. In addition to Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America, Silversea Cruises have slated calls in December 2014 and March 2015, and P&O Cruises and Oceania Cruises plan to call in the first quarter of 2015.